Per Simon Stone of BBC Sport, Mourinho was relatively coy when he was quizzed a possible January move for the 29-year-old:

Simon Stone @sistoney67

Jose on Sanchez to @ManUtd "In relation to AS I don't say a word, the only word I can say is he is a phenomenal player, apart from that Arsenal player and I feel I shouldn't say much more than this."

According to Mark Ogden of ESPN FC, United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the player, as rivals Manchester City are unwilling to pay more than £20 million for Sanchez, whose contract runs out at the end of the season.

It's suggested the Gunners want £35 million for Sanchez, while the player's agent fees would reportedly cost around £5 million.

Mourinhoadded that "we believe that there are some players that if you have a chance to sign them, no matter the month, then you have to try," per football writer ChrisWinterburn.

The manager's refusal to shut down the ongoing speculation suggests United's interest in Sanchez is serious.

However, according to Dean Jones, City remain admirers of the Arsenal man, and they are his preferred destination still:

Dean Jones @DeanJonesBR

City still want Sanchez and Sanchez still wants City.

Per Ogden, City actually came close to signing Sanchez at the end of the previous transfer window, although a £60 million move fell through when the Gunners failed to land an adequate replacement.

As the sharpshooter has not signed a new Arsenal contract, the Gunners now face losing Sanchez for below his market value midseason or for nothing at the end of the campaign.

Sanchez is one of the best players in the Premier League.Michael Steele/Getty Images

City have appeared to be in the box seat for a long time in the pursuit of the player, although now the Red Devils look as though they're neck and neck with their local rivals.

According to SamuelLuckhurstof theManchester Evening News, there is a financial factor that Sanchez is considering:

Samuel Luckhurst @samuelluckhurst

Feeling at City is Sanchez is prioritising cash over glory, which is why they're unwilling to push the boat out for him. Mourinho's press conference due at 5pm. #mufc

If he was to move to City, the Arsenal No. 7 would be linking up with a tremendous coach in PepGuardiola; the pair worked together during a stint at Barcelona, too. Additionally, he'd be almost certain to earn a Premier League winners medal, with City 15 points clear at the top.

United are also an appealing proposition. Sanchez would become a much more important player at OldTraffordthan at theEtihadStadium, while the determination to get him in January would also surely count for something.

James Robson of theManchester Evening Newsbelieves it's tough to say where the Chilean will end up:

James Robson @JamesRobsonMEN

Can't call where Sanchez will end up.
#MCFC proved a point when refusing to pay VVD money.
#MUFC have proved under Woodward they will pay (almost) whatever is necessary

From an Arsenal perspective, Gunnerblog's JamesMcNicholaswas demoralised by the situation:

gunnerblog @gunnerblog

I completely understand that most Arsenal fans just want the Alexis saga over with now.
But it still hurts enormously to see our rivals embroiled in a little tussle to see who can cherry pick our best player.

Whatever side does end up with Sanchez will be getting one of the best players in the Premier League, as he is a serial creator and scorer of chances.

It's why United may be tempted to put up the money for Sanchez now despite his contract situation. Given he'd be able to help the Red Devils secure a spot in the top four and potentially challenge for theUEFAChampions League, the aforementioned valuation may be a price worth paying.